What a Difference 13 Days Make

Returning to Qaqortoq, traveling eastward, we found a lot of icebergs in the harbor and nearby areas which weren't there on our westward journey. The temperature was a lot cooler, too.

 

 

 

Goodbye to St. Anthony's, Newfoundland.

A giant ATLANTIC PUFFIN stands in the harbor area as we board the shuttle boat to return to the ship.

 

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Moose, But Were Afraid to Ask

I understand that the Moose capital of the world is Newfoundland, according to our Viking guide, Dave. There are so many moose that they are a major food source for the natives. However, during hunting season, they all go stand on the perimeter of the UNESCO site where they are protected and laugh at the hunters. Because they are so prevalent, they are a major hazard to one's health (especially if they jump through your windshield as you are driving). The MOOSE ADVISORY site will give you all the information you need to understand and respect moose better.

To give you an idea about the size of the animal pictured at the top of this page, I will relate my personal moose story.

When I was driving the back roads of Stowe, Vermont, in a small truck, the road suddenly narrowed and I came to a stop so that I could proceed slowly in case another car was coming down the mountain. Immediately, a huge bull moose was at the side of the truck, so close that he was rubbing the driver's door. HAD my window been down, and HAD I been so inclined to extend my arm out of the window, palms up, I could have rubbed the underside of his belly. That is how big they get. As I reached for my camera, he quickly trotted off, and I missed my photo opportunity. They can move rather quickly, albeit ungainly.

L'Anse aux Meadows

At the northernmost point in Newfoundland is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, L'Anse aux Meadows. When we arrived at the site, it was very windy and raining heavily. I had purchased a very nice umbrella in Nova Scotia (lovely blue provincial tartan), so I decided this was a perfect place to use it. One millisecond later, the umbrella was completely destroyed by the intense weather.

 

Viking home. Inside the warm, sod building were a group of Viking reenactors (friends of Dave)who told us the history of the area.

 

 

 

St. Anthony's, Newfoundland. First Impressions

A few days ago, I posted the photos shown here. I don't believe they were visible. As most of you know, I am in the process of adding photos from a cruise this last summer on Ocean Princess. This ship, as I speak, is approaching Cape Town, so if you live in the area, keep an eye out for her.

St. Anthony's, Newfoundland, is located in the north of the province. When we visited St. John's, Newfoundland, in the south, the weather was unbelievably tropical. As we arrived in St. Anthony's, we were able to experience the "real" Newfoundland. All photos were taken in very rainy, blustery weather.

 

 

 

This is Dave, our Viking guide. (Not shown -- the school bus, which was our transportation to the Viking settlement.)

Last Views of Autumn Color, Connecticut

Some of the younger sugar maples have waited to turn color. The first photo are late turning younger maple trees. After most other trees have changed color, the Burning Bush (2nd photo) puts on a color show.

 

Last, but not least, when the Japanese Maple turns color, you know winter is not far away.

St. Anthony, Newfoundland (Canada)

The port area of St. Anthony is very small, so the Ocean Princess needed to tender us in to the docking area. We finally caught up with the storm we had experienced in New York City. The winds had picked up, and as we tried to board the tenders extra time was needed, as the crew had to time the boarding of each passenger to a brief moment when the tender was closest to the walkway (and not 3 feet above or 3 feet below).

 

St. Anthony photos were all taking during very blustery, rainy weather.

Nova Scotia, Peggy's Cove to Halifax

The coastline drive is very transquil. On the way back, we stopped at the Shore Club on Hubbard's Beach for a wonderful lobster dinner.

 

 

 

 

The ever-present Pilot Boat accompanies us to sea before retrieving the pilot from the Ocean Princess.

Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia

Peggy's Cove is a small fishing village located approximately 45 minutes' drive northeast of Halifax. It is very popular with the tourists.

 

Rock carvings, honoring local fishermen.

 

The small, protected harbor.

 

Peggy's Cove Lighthouse. It is a temptation to climb on the boulders. Many have died or been seriously injured trying to climb the slippery, wet rocks. A Scotsman stands nearby playing the bagpipes (not pictured). Those tourists of Scottish heritage really enjoyed the music.

 

The Seagulls were quite friendly. These two were about 3 feet from me when I took this photo.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax is one of my favorite places. Years ago, we visited the Citadel (prominently featured below) when the 83rd Regiment of Foote (Revolutionary War) were honored. Although Halifax has many wonderful features, we always have considered The Citadel #1.